Is high protein good for active dogs?
Haylee Kessler
2025-10-04 17:13:52
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Dogs, like people, are omnivores and do best with a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Excessive protein consumption is unnecessary for dogs at best and for some dogs with medical conditions can actually be harmful. Proteins are the building blocks of the body and an absolute necessity for daily function. However, when a dog consumes too much protein in a meal it cannot all be utilized at one time, nor can it be stored for later. The body will then excrete the excess protein through the kidneys and out of the body via urine. Thus the quality of the protein actually becomes more important that than actual amount as a high quality protein is more bioavailable and can be better absorbed by the body. Protein is a calorie dense nutrient and many of the high protein diets are extremely high in calories and can quickly lead to weight gain. If a dog has kidney or liver issues consuming too much protein can increase the workload on these organs and upset the balance of nutrients leading to exacerbation of disease.
Sheridan Wiegand
2025-09-27 15:30:39
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Muscle power depends on protein.
Not surprisingly, canine athletes that do not receive adequate dietary protein may suffer from fatigue and have a lacklustre attitude and performance.
Nutritionists recommend feeding active dogs a diet made with highly digestible, quality protein sources.
Active dogs require more protein than sedentary ones.
This is because active muscles undergo a natural process of building and breaking down muscle protein called protein turnover.
Elevated dietary protein complements the benefits of fat metabolism, since amino acids, the building blocks of protein, promote muscle growth and recovery.
Though dietary protein is important for dogs’ overall health and well-being, it is particularly important for active dogs that require more protein to meet their energy needs and fuel their muscles.
To help support active dogs, it is recommended to feed food with a guaranteed level of protein at 26% or higher.
Dogs that receive dietary protein at these optimal levels are more likely to perform at their full capacity.
Jordy Hamill
2025-09-16 15:10:44
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High-protein diets can be a fantastic choice for supporting their lively lifestyles, but it’s essential to approach these diets with a well-informed perspective. For active pets, protein is crucial as it contributes to muscle repair and growth. After a long walk or play session, muscles need to recover and strengthen, and protein plays a vital role in this process. Provides Sustained Energy: Unlike carbohydrates, which can lead to quick spikes in energy followed by a sharp drop, protein offers a more sustained energy release. For dogs, eggs and specific dairy products can also be excellent protein sources. For instance, dogs generally require protein to make up about 18% to 30% of their diet, but active or working dogs might need more to meet their energy demands. A high-protein diet can be a great way to support the health and energy levels of your active pet, but it’s important to tailor the diet to their specific needs and monitor how they respond to the dietary change. With the right approach, a high-protein diet can help your active pet thrive and stay energetic, ready to join you on your next adventure.
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